News

Toptac International is delighted to announce the appointment of Brooke Somers of Somerstone Thoroughbreds as a brand ambassador. The appointment coincides with news that Somers has been granted a trainer’s license with Racing NSW.

“A partnership in the racing industry is new for us,” says Toptac General Manager Vanessa Knight. “We’re excited to expand our horizons, especially with a trainer who is dedicated to excellence, which is a value we share in the brands we represent.”

Brooke’s introduction to racing came as a track rider for the likes of Gai Waterhouse and Bart Cummings, time she wisely used to soak up every detail of top training methods. She subsequently founded Somerstone Thoroughbreds with partner Mark Stoneham.

Her training philosophy is also informed by an impressive background in the show horse, jumping and eventing disciplines. After winning Champion Junior Girl Rider at the Sydney Royal and EA Junior Rider of the Year, Brooke went overseas to train with British showjumping great Graham Fletcher and Peter Charles, who won Olympic showjumping gold at London 2012.

Brooke believes in strong foundation training for racehorses

Brooke believes in strong foundation training for racehorses. “My passion is to give them a well-rounded education, which includes basic dressage and jumping, because it makes a more balanced, stronger racehorse.”

Brooke’s immediate goal is to train some metropolitan race winners. However, her long-term vision is to inspire other racehorse trainers to share her training philosophy to help horses reach their full potential and find new careers after racing.

“The thoroughbred is the king of horses,” Brooke says. “We ask so much of racehorses and they never fail to give us their best, so we owe them a life after racing.”

“Brooke’s forward-thinking approach reflects recent initiatives by racing’s peak authorities,” says Vanessa Knight. “As a wholesale distributor in a changing global market, we understand the need to find new ways to achieve the best results.”

The thoroughbred is the king of horses

Brooke represents a range of international and Australian brands for Toptac International, both as a racehorse trainer and avid eventer, including Noble Outfitters, Carr & Day & Martin and ePro.

“The Noble Outfitters Balance Riding Tights are so comfortable and practical,” she says. “I wear them for everything from track work to riding dressage in my Kieffer saddle.”

Brooke loves ePro Glow Oil for getting thoroughbreds into condition for race preparation and recommends Equimist coat care products by Carr & Day & Martin for keeping sticky seeds and grasses off her horses during spring and summer.

Closer than Close with the NEW Kieffer Kontakt

Introducing the Kieffer Kontakt....

Exclusive to Australia and designed with input from leading Australian saddle-fitters, the Kontakt is a bold new dressage saddle for those who aspire to ride in harmony with their horse. The mono-flap design allows for clearer, more precise communication to enhance your partnership. Soft, wool-lined panels increase comfort, while European calf-skin leather aids connectivity between horse and rider. The Kontakt is everything you expect in a saddle hand-crafted in Munich by one of the world’s most prestigious saddle houses — pure streamlined elegance in the best classical tradition.​

Hand-crafted in Munich, exclusive to Australia

Saddle type

Dressage

Size

1 or 2

Seat

Medium-deep

Colour

Black

Girthing system

Long girth points

Tree

Adjustable Kieffer tree

Knee blocks

Soft, supportive knee blocks, medium-sized, attached to flap

Features

Mono flap

Made in

Germany

Made from

European leather

Stockists

Horseland, Saddleworld & independent stores

Can 2016 Get Any Better for Nathan Harvey?

Nathan Harvey has barely rung in the new year, yet this talented para-equestrian is already well on his way to achieving his goals for 2016. A partnership with Kieffer Australia, developed in December 2015, has been the catalyst for a chain reaction of exciting opportunities.

First came Nathan’s dream saddle, a brand new Kieffer Parbery, designed in conjunction with dressage champion Brett Parbery. This led to a sought-after fence-sitting spot at one of Parbery’s clinics, including one-on-one advice from the current Australian Grand Prix Champion.

Not long after, Nathan featured in a three page article in HorseWyse magazine, which uplifted and empowered him as a para-equestrian by focussing on his considerable skills, achievements and goals rather than the circumstances behind his special needs.

First came Nathan’s dream saddle, a brand new Kieffer Parbery.

The response from readers was staggering — within days, more than 175 readers contacted Nathan, either full of praise for his hard work or to say his story had inspired them to take up riding.

“It was pretty special,” Nathan says. “I loved the story and the magazine goes all over Australia. I can’t believe I’ve made a difference to so many people’s lives.”

One special message came from fellow para-equestrian Danyele Foster, who, like Nathan, has autism and competes at top level:

“You have helped me to gain the confidence to share my story with others. Congratulations on your success and thank you for helping me to find the courage to follow my dreams.”

“More and more people with similar challenges are coming out and competing with their horses,” Nathan says. “In the past, they stayed at home, but we’re now out there following our dreams.”

As he said in his HorseWyse magazine article, Nathan has one message for all horse riders, no matter what their level or circumstances: "Keep on going with what you’re doing. It’s your dream, so don’t give up.”

Becky Jenkins Joins Toptac as a Sponsored Rider

Becky Jenkins needs no introduction to the show horse and show jumping worlds, having led the field in both disciplines in Australia’s most prestigious competition. In fact, she started competing in EA show jumping classes at the tender age of 12! Since then, Becky has won the World Cup seven times and represented Australia six times, and runs Fairview PerformanceHorses with husband, Stuart, who is also a show jumper.

Toptac International is delighted to announce Becky has come on board as brand ambassador for Noble Outfitters, Carr & Day & Martin and ePro.

It feels great when a company like Toptac wants you on their team

“It feels great when a company like Toptac wants you on their team,” Becky says. “It validates all your hard work when someone who represents so many well-known brands believes in you.”

The technological fabrics used in Noble Outfitters tanks, tees and show shirts are a hit with Becky. “They help regulate your body temperature, so you can keep warm in winter or ride in summer without sweat pouring of you,” she says. “The competition shirts are also rated UPF 50+, which is vital in Australia , especially as horse spend so much time in the sun.”

Becky’s dedication to “giving back” fits perfectly with Noble Tomorrow, a program focused on strengthening values and providing meaningful learning experiences through equestrian activities. A talented and sought-after coach, she won the 2014 Gow Gates Coach of the Year award in recognition of her positive example as a coach and dedication to helping riders gain confidence and achieve their goals.

“One of my students recently won her first competition, so I gave her a set of Noble Outfitters Perfect Fit Gloves and Over the Calf Peddies,” Becky says. “They’re such an awesome gift and the price justifies buying a matching set.”

Becky has been a fan of ePro, an Australian owned and made range of health care supplements and show preparation products, since her show horse days. “I particularly like the Glow Oil,” she says. “It makes your horse’s skin beautiful and their coat shine with health. When a product works that well, you stick to it.”

As the UK’s oldest horse care manufacturer, Carr & Day & Martin needs no introduction. The release of the company’s new Equimist technology coincides with the appointment of Toptac International as their exclusive Australian agent.

“Equimist is a dream come true,” Becky says. “It solves every problem horse owners have with spray products. It’s virtually silent, can be used upside-down and gives a fine, even coverage. Plus it doesn’t attract dust.”

Equimist is a dream come true....It solves every problem horse owners have with spray products.

“Becky is everything we look for in a brand ambassador,” says Toptac general manager Vanessa Knight. “She’s a gifted and respected rider and coach across multiple disciplines, and is a fierce competitor to match. Her ongoing generosity to others is inspiring.”

Becky operates Fairview Performance Horses with partner Stuart, also a successful show jumper. Together they provide agistment, breaking, training, show preparation and coaching services to horse lovers at all stages in their equestrian journey.

Michelle Baker Joins Toptac as a Sponsored Rider

Toptac International is pleased to announce the appointment of grand prix dressage rider and coach Michelle Baker as a sponsored rider to represent Kieffer, Supreme Products and Noble Outfitters.

“I’m thrilled to be a Toptac Ambassador,” Michelle says. “I admire and use the brands I’m representing, so it’s great to have an official partnership.”

Michelle has always used Kieffer saddles and recently started riding in a Kieffer Sydney after a glowing recommendation from coach and fellow grand prix rider Matthew Dowsley. “Kieffer is one of the oldest and most prestigious saddlery companies in the world,” Michelle says. “I’ll be riding in my new Sydney at the upcoming Dressage with the Stars and Sydney CDI.”

Michelle has always used Kieffer saddles

Supreme Products is one of the first brands in the world to make coat care and show preparation products specifically for horses. “I love my horses, so it’s important to me to use products that are pH balanced, non-toxic and paraben-free. Supreme Products ticks all the boxes and even has UV filters in a core range of products,” Michelle says.

The brand’s Moisture and Condition is a favourite, and Michelle’s secret to thick, healthy manes and tails. “I use this product on every horse, every day,” she says. “It’s exceptional for preventing hair loss from rug rubs.”

Based in California, Noble Outfitters is a new brand in Australia, but has delighted horse lovers the world over with a range of innovative, functional and stylish equestrian apparel, footwear and accessories.

Michelle especially loves the Noble Outfitters Essential Jacket. “It’s hard to find a good water-proof jacket,” she says. “The Essential Jacket is light-weight and fashionably cut, so I have one for training and coaching, and another for going out.”

“Michelle is the perfect brand ambassador because she appreciates quality products that are both stylish and functional,” says Toptac general manager Vanessa Knight. “She’s a serious and established competitor who has a genuine and approachable personality that every day riders can relate to.”

Michelle is the perfect brand ambassador because she appreciates quality products